By: David

Read: NUMBERS 22:21-23:30, LUKE 1:57-80, PSALM 58:1-11, PROVERBS 11:12-13

Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.
Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.
(Proverbs 11:12-13)

Relate: I can really relate to this because I often think of how I can be better than others. But in truth, we all have pros and cons; we are all equally created by God. He gave all of us gifts; we just have to use them to glorify him, not ourselves. This verse relates to a lot because of this. People often compare themselves to each other. This verse is also talking about this problem with humanity. But it tells us that “a man of understanding,” doesn’t talk about it. This verse also addresses the habit of gossiping and slandering. It says that a trustworthy person would stay quiet.

React: These are both very practical verses that could directly impact the people around us for both good and bad. In this sense, this verse is important to us compared to the gospels, though people would overlook these verses. But this book is called a wisdom book for a reason: if you apply this to your life, it could be transformed for the better.

We can apply this book in a literal sense, by doing exactly what it says. But it can also teach us a bit about human nature, how people could always be doing things behind your back. So we should be firstly faithful to our fellow brothers and sisters to have the right to expect anything from them. Because if everyone has the wrong mindset, then we might not even be able to trust our own friends. This took a dark turn real soon, but the main message is to do to others what you would have them do to you, AKA—the golden rule.

Respond:

Dear Jesus,
Please guide my footsteps in the way of you. Let me be an example to those around me to show your love. Help me to do as your word commands, in Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.